The legendary musician Hugh Masekela passed away on Tuesday morning. He was 78 years old.
“After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. A loving father, brother, grandfather and friend, our hearts beat with profound loss,” the family said in a statement.
Masekela confirmed in October 2017 that he had been battling prostate cancer since 2008.
Born on 4, April 1939 in Witbank, Mpumalanga, the veteran trumpeter was well-known for his anti-apartheid songs such as “Soweto Blues” and “Bring Him Back Home”.
Masekela received numerous awards including the Order of Ikhamanga - South African National Orders Ceremony (2010); an honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of York (2014); a Doctor of Music (honoris causa) from Rhodes University (2015); and the African Music Legend Award - Ghana Music Awards (2007), eNCA reported.
He married Miriam Makeba in 1964, but the couple divorced in 1966. He then married Elinam Cofie in 1999 for whom he penned the song "Ghana".
Masekela is survived by his wife, his daughter, Pula Twala, and his son, Selema "Sal" Masekela, from his relationship with Haitian Jessie Marie Lapierre.
Details of the memorial and burial will be released in due course.
Our sincere condolences to the Masekela family. Rest in Power Bra Hugh.